Children left heartbroken when a popular dance contest was cancelled were last night celebrating the announcement of a local alternative – which will take place at the north-east’s newest entertainment venue.
Scores of youngsters were devastated when a nationwide competition, which has been a much-anticipated staple of the year for generations of local youngsters, was scrapped.
A group of local parents banded together to try and stage a smaller, local event to ensure that months of practice did not go to waste.
After much anticipation, the Make It Happen committee has now confirmed that 12 Aberdeenshire primary and secondary schools will compete at P&J Live in Aberdeen on Friday, June 12.
A spokeswoman for Make It Happen said: “We are delighted to announce that we have secured grant funding from the Aberdeenshire Council tackling poverty and inequalities fund, which covers the entry fee for each of our 800+ participants and also Aberdeenshire Council’s community safety fund – as the event helps to keep our local children active and social.
“We have made inclusivity a priority in our event for all students who wish to take part.”
The event will involve educational workshops from a number of organisations like NHS Grampian and the police.
The day will also involve each school rehearsing on stage, learning about performing in a professional venue and designing lighting.
MP for Banff and Buchan, David Duguid, said: “It is fantastic to see that the preparations for the Make It Happen event are well under way and that the new P&J Live has been secured as the venue.
“I recently met the organisers in Peterhead and wrote to Aberdeenshire Council before the election to urge them to support this project.”
Sandhaven Primary School, South Park Primary School, Meiklemill School, Crimond Primary School, Rosehearty Primary School, Fraserburgh St Andrews Primary School, Buchanhaven Primary School, Mackie Academy, Mintlaw Academy, Fraserburgh Academy and Peterhead Academy will all take part.
Stuartfield Primary School and Fetterangus Primary School will field a joint entry.
The Make It Happen members are still looking for support from local businesses who would be interested in sponsoring the event “in order to make the best possible experience for participants.”
Any companies interested are encouraged to contact abdnmakeithappen@gmail.com
